Her kohl smeared, striking 'pearl' eyes, the benevolent smile that she always wore and which she wears till this have now become smudged, indistinct...parched by the odds and evens of life.
His gait has paced down and now he dedicates himself to the the literary works...determined to devour them all.
And I speak here about two people who are still deeply, truly and madly in love with each other. Jeje (Grandpa) and Jejema (Grandma);I call them so lovingly and have known them since my kindergarten. Jeje is now a retired school teacher whereas Jejema forever remained a typical Indian housewife. They are now grandparents to four pranksters and spend most of their time catering to the needs of their grandchildren.
It is said, 'Love comes softly'...and unexpectedly too. And by now many of you out there would be yelling out loud,'Crap!' 'Bullshit!' :P
... not unless you meet an 'epitome'.
'Ours was an arranged marriage', Jeje would say embarking upon the younger times. 'She managed everything... the family...the finance... education of our kids...without her, I would have long lost the race. She is the string that held us all together. I owe her... I owe her my life !'
Jejema, honest to her jovial nature, would mock,'Oh! Is that why you never forget to bring me a rose everyday... till this day?' and leave him embarassed. :P
Jeje's routine would start with waking up early. making tea for Jejema and waking her up . 'Dear..its already wide daylight... how long will you sleep?' It was then a part of his daily life and I am surprised that nothing has ever changed. He still wakes her up by making the tea for her every morning.
However, one day Jejema let go one of her secrets to me.'What do you think kiddo? Do I really sleep that late? Its a deliberate act... so that I am the first one on his mind. Now that he has retired , he has all the time of the world for me. But back then... when both of us were struggling to run our family... he was busy earning money and I busy looking after the needs of the family... it mattered... it meant a lot to me!' She said with a smile that reflected her soul...satiated with the love of her man.
May the bond you share grow stronger each day.
*Touchwood!!!